Governor Okowa’s aide sings praises of Ibori, downplays corruption charges against him

- Governor Okowa's aide, Ovie Ossai, has said that former governor James Ibori did well for the state before he was thrown into London prison

- Ovie said though Ibori served jail term in London, his arrival was given wide ovation undermining the fact that he is an ex-convict

- He listed many projects executed by the former governor, which may have been the underlying reason for the former governor's acceptance in the state

Undermining the level of corruption that landed former Delta state Governor James Ibori in London jail, an aide to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Ovie Success Ossai, has said that Chief James Onanefe Ibori did well for the state.

Ibori, who held sway as Delta state governor from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2007, making a total of eight years, was found guilty by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but escaped to Dubai where he was arrested and extradited to the United Kingdom where he faced trial and sentenced to jail.

He was found guilty of money laundry and other offences preferred against him by the Nigerian government then under former President Goodluck Jonathan and UK government.

READ ALSO: I have decided to pray more and talk less – Governor Okowa

But Ossai, who is serving under Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, said irrespective of the corruption charges against Ibori, the former governor did well for the state during his eight years stay as governor.

He said though Ibori was made to pass through hard time in the United Kingdom, he is worthy of emulation.

Ossai said how many politicians in Nigeria could boast of being welcome and celebrated even from prison as Ibori was given by the people of Delta state.

According to him: “Ibori is one man who as a governor built bridges to hitherto inaccessible towns such as Omadino and Bomadi, across the Forçados River, and scores of roads were constructed across the state’s three senatorial districts during his government.”

READ ALSO: Mystery fire razed secondary school in Delta

He said a number of higher institutions were built by him: three polytechnics, a college of physical education and a navy school.

He added that medical students at Delta state university also benefited from a new teaching hospital, situated in the former governor’s hometown, Oghara.

He said other arms of the education, including the primary and post primary benefited from the former governor’s education policy.

“Oghara got a brand-new stadium, along with a total transformation from a glorified village to mini-city.

PAY ATTENTION: Get the latest News on NAIJ.com News App

“Sapele, Oleh, Ughelli and other towns also got new stadia.

“Call him names as you can but let the truth be told that no former governor in Nigeria has ever been celebrated like Chief James Ibori,” Ovie Ossai said.